JOB TITLE: Future Camp Paivika 2026 Positions Considerations – Camp Paivika Summer Staff (Cabin Counselor, Lifeguard, Food Service Worker, Cook, Housekeeping & Maintenance)

REPORTS TO: Camp Director

SCHEDULE: Variable shifts based on role; includes weekdays, weekends, and overnights as needed during summer sessions

LOCATION: Camp Paivika – Crestline, CA (Located in the San Bernardino Mountains)

STATUS: Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt

DRIVER POSITION: Yes (Some positions may require driving; see driving policy below)

RATES: Compensation may vary depending on positions| Onsite lodging and meals provided during sessions

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, one of the first fully accessible camps in the U.S., continues this mission by providing life-changing summer experiences for children, teens, and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are accepting future interest applications for individuals passionate about inclusion, fun, and outdoor adventure. This application will be used to build a candidate pool for Summer 2026 at Camp Paivika. Positions available may include:

• Camp Cabin Counselor
• Camp Lifeguard
• Camp Food Service Worker
• Camp Cook
• Camp Housekeeping and Maintenance
• Camp Nurse, Registered Nurse

Camp Paivika staff work collaboratively to ensure campers have a safe, engaging, and empowering summer camp experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direct support, supervision, and care to campers with developmental and physical disabilities.
• Assist campers with daily living skills (e.g., personal care, feeding, mobility) depending on their individual needs.
• Lead or assist with camp activities including recreation, arts & crafts, swimming, nature walks, and evening programs.
• Ensure health, safety, and cleanliness of the camp environment, including cabins, dining areas, activity spaces, and shared facilities.
• Prepare and serve meals (Cook/Food Service roles), maintain safe food-handling practices, and assist with kitchen clean-up.
• Provide basic maintenance and housekeeping of camp property, including cabins, restrooms, and outdoor facilities (Housekeeping/Maintenance roles).
• Maintain supervision and professional boundaries with campers and peers.
• Collaborate with a team-oriented staff in a rustic, overnight camp setting.
• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma , GED, or equivalent required; some college coursework or related degree is preferred.
• Prior experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Lifeguards must have valid certification by date of hire (or be willing to obtain before camp). This is a requirement.
• Cooks and Food Service Workers must be familiar with basic kitchen safety and food preparation standards.
• Ability to work in a residential, outdoor camp environment for the full summer season (overnight required).
• Ability to assist with physical activities, including lifting and supporting campers with mobility needs.
• Excellent communication skills, patience, adaptability, and teamwork.
• Must be 18 years or older by the start of employment. This is a requirement.
• Valid driver’s license is preferred (some positions may require driving camp vehicles).
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification and pass Employment Eligibility Verification.
• Successful completion of a background check (LiveScan) is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 50-75 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to employment@abilityfirst.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. Ability First reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and Ability First, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the Ability First staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and Ability First has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Ability First offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth. 

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Ability First does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. 

Ability First is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application